01-05-2025
Staying healthy after floods, advice from Health District
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita County Public Health District offers tips for those affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Many health and safety risks come with the unfortunate conditions of flooding and the WFWCPHD keeps the community informed as to how one can keep safe as weather conditions develop.
Throw away food that has come into contact with flood waters or was in the fridge without power.
Food does not have to smell bad to be bad: unrefrigerated/contaminated food can lead to serious illness due to bacterial growth.
Avoid skin contact with contaminated materials or water in a flooded home.
Children and pets must be kept away from flood waters.
Let water recede completely before being tempted to clean the area.
Open wounds should not be exposed to flood water. Get a booster for a tetanus shot.
Tetanus vaccines should ideally be administered within the 48-72 hour window of an open wound exposed to flood waters.
If you or anyone you know has come into contact with flood waters and may need a tetanus shot, the Health District building is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to receive one.
Hepatitis A vaccines are also available for anyone exposed to sewage.
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